Dead Man Keeps Walking, for Now

SAN QUENTIN, California: Convicted California rapist and murderer Thomas M. Thompson said goodbye to his friends and family and was about to be transferred to San Quentin's death-watch cell last night when the U.S. Supreme Court unexpectedly agreed to a last minute review of his case. Thompson's plight has been a rallying point for foes of capital punishment, who argue that the government's case has too many holes to justify an execution. Even the creator of California's death penalty statute and six other former prosecutors have come out on the convict's behalf. Thompson's lawyer estimated the Court won't hear arguments in his case until next spring, putting off his preferred last meal — Alaskan king crab, spareribs and a hot-fudge sundae — for at least three seasons.